Hanoi, 8 March 2026 – Hanoi Police FC’s impressive unbeaten run in the V.League 1 came to an end after 17 matches following a 1–2 defeat to Hanoi FC in Round 15 on the evening of March 8.
The streak had stretched back to Round 23 of last season, including 15 victories. During that period, coach Mano Polking’s side also equaled the record of collecting 35 points after the first 13 matches of a V.League campaign — a milestone previously achieved by Hanoi FC in 2018 under coach Chu Dinh Nghiem.
Based on recent form and squad strength, Hanoi Police FC were considered the favorites heading into the capital derby, especially as Hanoi FC had just suffered a 0–1 defeat to The Cong in the previous round. Moreover, Harry Kewell’s team had struggled this season against top opposition, losing four and drawing one in five matches against other top-five sides, including Hanoi Police FC, The Cong, Ninh Binh, and Ho Chi Minh FC.
However, Hanoi Police FC were missing key striker Alan Grafite due to injury. Coach Polking instead relied on the attacking duo of Nguyen Dinh Bac and Leo Artur. The squad also featured several former Hanoi FC players such as Nguyen Quang Hai, Doan Van Hau, Tran Dinh Trong, and Bui Hoang Viet Anh, adding extra intensity to the derby as they faced their former teammates.
The match was filled with physical duels and heated moments. Notable clashes included a fierce challenge between Nguyen Van Quyet and Van Hau in the 31st minute, a confrontation between Viet Anh and Tadeu Adriel, and an incident in the 60th minute when Do Duy Manh tightly marked Dinh Bac before striking the back of his neck during a challenge.
Despite dominating possession, Hanoi Police FC struggled to convert their opportunities. Without a traditional center forward like Grafite, their finishing lacked sharpness. Meanwhile, Hanoi FC adopted a disciplined tactical setup. Coach Harry Kewell deployed Adriel in a defensive midfield role, where the Brazilian frequently dropped back to form a three-man defensive line when needed, playing a key role in stabilizing the defense.
Hanoi FC proved clinical with their limited chances. In the 26th minute, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh lost possession on the left flank, allowing Adriel to quickly deliver the ball into the penalty area. Do Hoang Hen controlled the pass cleverly, shielded the ball from Le Van Do, and fired a powerful left-footed volley past goalkeeper Nguyen Filip to open the scoring.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 71st minute after a defensive lapse from Quang Vinh and Viet Anh. David Fisher sprinted into the penalty area and was brought down by Nguyen Filip, resulting in a penalty. Do Hoang Hen calmly converted the spot kick to make it 2–0.
Hanoi Police FC pushed hard to respond and created several clear chances. Leo Artur nearly scored with a clever lob over Do Duy Manh and goalkeeper Van Chuan, but the defender recovered in time to clear the ball. Substitute Rogerio Alves also came close on multiple occasions but was denied by Van Chuan, missed the target, and later struck the crossbar.
Deep into stoppage time, Hanoi Police FC were finally awarded a penalty after Leo Artur was fouled inside the box. After reviewing the incident through VAR, the referee pointed to the spot. Artur converted to reduce the deficit, but the final whistle sounded shortly after, confirming Hanoi Police FC’s first defeat of the V.League 1 2025–2026 season.
Despite the loss, Hanoi Police FC remain top of the table with 35 points, four points ahead of second-placed The Cong and with one match in hand. Hanoi FC climb to fourth place with 24 points.
In Round 16, Hanoi Police FC will face another major test when they travel to third-placed Ninh Binh on March 14. A day earlier, Hanoi FC will host Song Lam Nghe An, who are currently on a three-match winning streak.
VSN/RPT
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